The field of political science is ever-changing. With new information and findings constantly being uncovered, keeping up with the latest research developments is essential for researchers to orient themselves within the field. International Political Science Abstracts (IPSA Abstracts), published by the International Political Science Association, is a database containing the largest body of articles and abstracts in political science and related fields curated by political scientists. These abstracts – which come from journals and yearbooks published around the world – are expertly gathered to help researchers find the best scholarship in the field of political science. IPSA Abstracts has been providing the community of political scientists with timely, relevant research for more than 70 years.
Trends in International Political Science is a recently developed supplement to the Abstracts database, comprising short articles written by leading political scientists from around the world to highlight up-and-coming research within the field. Trends articles build upon the current database by providing comprehensive overviews of noteworthy research trends from the past two to four years. Trends explore the currently available scholarship and point to opportunities for further research. IPSA Trends has become a unique, valuable resource for corporate and academic researchers alike by helping end users navigate the constantly developing field of political science. Below, we highlight three recent IPSA Trends articles and their contributions to furthering research within the field of political science.
Trends is edited by Stephen W. Sawyer (ssawyer@aup.edu) and Daniel Stockemer (daniel.stockemer@uottawa.ca)
Keep reading to uncover some of the latest topics featured in Trends articles.
Trends in Political Science Research: Artificial Intelligence and Voter Disinformation
This thought-provoking article, by Wilson Wong, examines the growing threat of AI-driven disinformation on democratic systems worldwide. The misuse of AI extends beyond electoral processes, influencing the broader dynamics of international politics, particularly in a polarized world where democracies and authoritarian regimes compete for dominance.
Wong highlights the tension between two competing paradigms: the push for global governance and collaboration in AI regulation versus the weaponization of AI for disinformation and cognitive warfare. His analysis calls for urgent research to address this tension, emphasizing the need for strategies that balance global governance with the realities of power struggles in international relations. Wong’s work is a critical contribution to understanding and mitigating the risks posed by AI in the political arena.
Trends in Political Science Research: Affective Polarization
In her comprehensive article, Tamanna M. Shah explores the intricate dynamics of affective polarization and its far-reaching implications. By reviewing diverse political contexts, Shah highlights how emotional and identity-driven divides manifest in both multiparty and two-party systems.
Key drivers such as identity politics, moral convictions, and media influences are analyzed, alongside the pressing need for greater conceptual clarity and strategies to address entrenched partisanship. Shah’s comparative approach offers valuable insights into the effects of affective polarization on social trust, democratic governance, and political stability. Her work serves as a critical resource for scholars and policymakers aiming to navigate and mitigate this pressing challenge in modern politics.
Trends in Political Science Research: Economic Sanctions
In this insightful article, Yatan Sharma delves into the complex and evolving role of economic sanctions in global politics. Initially embraced after World War I as a peaceful alternative to military conflict, sanctions' efficacy and morality came into question when their harsh effects on Axis powers contributed to the onset of World War II.
Sharma's review highlights the expanded scope of sanctions in modern times, revealing their far-reaching social and political repercussions alongside economic impacts. By analyzing recent research, he sheds light on key themes, including the factors that determine sanctions' effectiveness, the interplay between domestic political and economic interests, and the unintended societal consequences they often create.
This article serves as an essential guide for understanding the multidisciplinary nature of sanctions research, offering a structured overview of this dynamic field. Whether you're a political scientist, economist, or curious global citizen, Sharma's work provides valuable insights into the mechanisms and impacts of one of the most debated tools of international relations.
IPSA Abstracts covers work in the fields of political science, political sociology, political psychology, political communications, international relations, international law, human rights, conflict studies, ethnic studies, and related fields. IPSA Trends articles are added to the database bimonthly and explore a variety of subjects related to political science. IPSA Abstracts is a unique, global resource for academic and corporate researchers looking to further their grasp of the scholarship being undertaken in political science and related fields.
To read and further explore the IPSA Trends articles, request a free trial of IPSA Abstracts.
